We continue to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with our series about films and television shows that tell the stories of various cultures and/or show the diverse output of filmmakers across the Asian and Pacific Island region.

In the second of our two-part series, we examine tearjerkers, dramas, and romance; true crime and documentaries; fantasy and sci-fi; and family-friendly options.

Tearjerkers, Romance, and Drama

In 1958, Miyoshi Umeki became the first Asian performer to win an Oscar in an acting category, winning Best Supporting Actress for 1957’s “Sayonara.” The film adapts James Michener’s 1954 novel about an American soldier stationed in Japan who falls in love with a local woman shortly after WWII.

Speaking of Oscar winners, 2008’s “Slumdog Millionaire” won eight including Best Picture. The film was also hugely successful at the box office.

You might also like: “Drive My Car” (2021), “I Was a Simple Man” (2021), “Ága” (2018), “Ilo Ilo” (2013), “The Orator” (2011), “Darpan Chhaya” (2001), “Once Were Warriors” (1994), “The Scent of Green Papaya” (1993), “Days of Being Wild” (1990), “Hachikō Monogatari” (1987), “Aina” (1977), “Manila in the Claws of Light” (1975), “Girl from Hanoi” (1974), “A River Called Titash” (1973), “Mother India” (1957), The Apu Trilogy (1955-1959), “Tokyo Story” (1953), “Awaara” (1951), and “Spring in a Small Town” (1948)

Family Fun

There is no shortage of family-friendly films that celebrate Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Disney has released several, including 1998’s “Mulan,” 2002’s “Lilo & Stitch,” 2016’s “Moana,” and 2021’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

Another great option for the whole family are the films of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. In 1997, the Japanese animator/manga artist/director/writer took the world by storm with the critically acclaimed “Princess Mononoke” (rated PG-13). His PG-rated follow ups – 2001’s “Spirited Away” and 2004’s “Howl’s Moving Castle” – remain immensely popular all over the world.

Kids of all ages might also like: “Turning Red” (2022), “Abominable” (2019), “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” (2013), “Kung Fu Panda” (2008), “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” (2008), “Laskar Pelangi” (2008), “The Cup” (1999), “Pokémon: The First Movie” (1998), “Big Bird in Japan” (1988), and “Big Bird in China” (1983)

Kids 13 and older might also enjoy: “Lion": (2016), “Boy” (2010), “Whale Rider” (2002), “Bend it Like Beckham” (2002), and “The Karate Kid” (1984)

Fantasy and Science Fiction

Critics are calling “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (released in March) one of the most original films in years. Michelle Yeoh plays a Chinese-American woman who must navigate the multiverse to save the world. The film defies genres, combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, martial arts, romance, comedy, and drama.

Another film that spans multiple genres is 1957’s epic fantasy “Mayabazar,” which wowed audiences across India upon its release. The film is an adaptation of the Indian folktale “Sasirekha Parinayam.”

You might also like: “The Wandering Earth” (2019), “2.0” (2018), “Cemetery of Splendour” (2015), “2030” (2014), “PK” (2014), “Snowpiercer” (2013), “Ghost in the Shell” (1995), and “Godzilla” (1954)

True Crime

In 2011, a powerful film prompted South Korea to lift the statute of limitations for sex crimes against minors and the disabled. A decade before creating “Squid Game,” Hwang Dong-hyuk directed “Silenced,” which recounts horrific crimes that took place at a school for the deaf in the early 2000s. The film brought newfound attention to the case and enraged the public. Shortly after the film’s release, the school closed permanently.

Before helming “The Lord of the Rings” franchise, Peter Jackson directed 1994’s “Heavenly Creatures,” a film about one of New Zealand’s most infamous murder cases. Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet made their feature film debuts as teenagers Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme who killed Parker’s mother in 1954.

You might also like: “Where the Truth Lies” (2009), “Manila Skies” (2009), “Missing” (2009), “Balibo” (2009), and “Memories of Murder” (2003)

Documentaries

For many years, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, owner of the Kwik-E-Mart on “The Simpsons,” was the only character of Indian descent on mainstream U.S. television. In 2017, comedian Hari Kondabolu wrote and starred in “The Problem with Apu,” which argues that the character promotes negative stereotypes and microaggressions. Amid growing criticism, two years ago Hank Azaria announced that he would no longer voice the character.

Earlier this year, a Danish documentary about an Afghan refugee made history at the Oscars. “Flee” was the first film to be simultaneously nominated for Best International Feature Film, Documentary Feature, and Animated Feature. “Flee” follows a gay man (using the pseudonym Amin Nawabi) who wants to reveal his hidden past before marrying his fiancé.

You might also like: “Ascension” (2021), “Writing With Fire” (2021), “The Eagle Huntress” (2016), “Poi E: The Story of a Song” (2016), “The Betrayal – Nerakhoon” (2008), “Daughter from Danang” (2002), “Genghis Blues” (1999), “Bougainville – Our Island Our Fight” (1998), “The Man Who Skied Down Everest” (1975), and “The People of Paradise” (1960)

Check out part one of this series for historical dramas, comedies, horrors and thrillers, action/adventure films, and movies and TV series that explore the Asian American experience.